Special Education

If you already work as a school-based occupational therapist, you probably know how rewarding it can be. Therapists help children reach their academic potential, but that’s not all. They also make a difference in a child’s overall wellbeing.

Although working as a school-based OT is fulfilling, it can also be stressful and has many challenges. Unfortunately, some therapists become burnt-out from the stress. Understanding why burnout occurs and what you can do to prevent it can help you stay on the right track. [continue reading…]

Working as a school-based occupational, physical, or speech therapist involves not only working with students, but their parents as well. The parents of the students you work with are part of the team. Together, therapists, teachers, and parents work towards helping children reach their full potential.

Parents of special needs children need support. After you wrap up the workday with your students, you retreat to your own life. But for parents of special needs children, the work is often 24/7. Depending on the situation, caring for a special needs child can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining. The support from professionals, such as school-based therapists, can make a difference. [continue reading…]

Working as a school-based therapist is rewarding but can also be a challenge. It’s not always easy to keep students interested. Getting students engaged in therapy is half the battle. That’s where technology and apps may help.

Although you don’t want to rely solely on screen time, certain apps can be useful. Integrating various therapy apps into your treatments sessions can increase participation, interest and make therapy something kids enjoy. [continue reading…]

Working as a school-based occupational, physical, or speech therapist is different than working in a medical setting. In a hospital, nursing home, or rehab center, it’s great to have your patient’s family there to be supportive. But in a school-based setting, having parents or guardians involved is essential. If parents are involved, it can have the following benefits: [continue reading…]

Working as a physical therapist in a school setting is interesting, fulfilling and at times challenging. School physical therapists guide students and their families through a treatment plan that may be aimed at improving endurance, range of motion, coordination, balance, or strength.

The work of a school-based physical therapist is vital to help children overcome physical issues that may interfere with their social, emotional and academic development. Working as a school PT is not always an easy job. Having certain skills can make it easier to succeed. Consider some of the following useful skills for school-based physical therapists. [continue reading…]

When you think of dance, what comes to mind? You probably picture something from an entertainment perspective – maybe dancers in TV shows, movies, or musicals? Perhaps you think back to that dance class from childhood or the awkward middle school dance that your parents made you go to? Seems about right. Did you ever think that dancing or choreographed body movement could be a type of therapy, though? Neither did most people, but it is – and an effective one!

We are very fortunate to have a wonderful Board-Certified Dance/Movement Therapist – Julia – on our team to spread the word about dance therapy! Julia took some time to explain how she started her journey into this type of therapy, what it actually entails, and how it is very effective for the students she supports:

Whether you’re working as an occupational or speech therapist in a school setting, it can be a challenge to work with kids who can’t sit still. Some children with certain conditions, such as Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder, may have sensory processing issues, which results in a decreased attention span.

In some cases, even children who don’t have a diagnosis of either condition can have trouble remaining still long enough to cooperate and get through therapy. In fact, one of the reasons some kids are referred to occupational therapy is because they have trouble sitting still in class.

Before you can develop strategies to help your students sit still, try to identify the reason behind their inability to focus. [continue reading…]